If C3PO hadn't hammered into Rey the importance of maintaining a dignified expression, then she may have spent the entire walkthrough with her mouth opened like a fish. The private residence of Lady Caster, a supporter of the former New Republic, looked like a palace. Marble floors, towering columns with sculptures and fine art adorning every wall. It was grand and elegant, Rey tried to take everything in without bending her head backwards.
Rey stuck to Leia's side, C3PO a step behind them, they were accompanied by 4 Resistance members serving as guards. Upon their arrival, they were escorted to the ballroom by Lady Caster's personal assistant, Amedda. The building was a hive of activity, servants and workers darted between corridors, streams of guests arrived in opulent garments. Rey hadn't been around so many people before. After settling into Mirrin Prime the Resistance numbers swelled, especially after word had spread of Luke and Rey's exploits. Yet, the number of people here easily doubled the current forces of the Resistance. Rey felt a bit uneasy at that. Leia told her that Lady Caster's subordinates were extremely loyal and that all the guests were thoroughly checked for potential threats. But there could always be a chance of attack. Rey clenched her fists, she wouldn't let anything happen to the General.
They stopped in front a large pair of double doors, they were about to be announced. Leia briefly touched Rey's hand, calming the young girl before the doors opened.
"General Leia Organa and Miss Rey!" Rey did not expect the young assistant to have such a booming voice, a hush fell over the entire crowd and every pair of eyes turned towards them. Her breath caught, she had never been looked at by so many people. Leia took Rey's hand in a gentle grip and threaded her arm through hers, she awoke from her paralysis and the two defended the stairs together, their companions close behind.
"Leia! It's so good to see you again," the elder woman was swept up in the embrace of Lady Caster. In that instant activity resumed and the guests continued with their business; yet, many gazes still remained on them. Lady Caster was tall, elegant and the affection she showed for the General was unrestrained. She looked like she was only about ten years older then Rey, yet there was a heaviness in her gaze that revealed she had endured much throughout her life.
"It's good to see you too, this is Rey." She was immediately enveloped in a hug by Lady Caster.
"I've heard a lot about you, it's a pleasure to have you here." Rey couldn't help but smile.
Many people came to greet Leia and introduce themselves to Rey. Some were amicable, some were polite but reserved and some made her feel as if she was being interrogated. Leia was able to deflect their attention away from Rey whenever she believed it was becoming too much but Rey carried herself well.
"Tell me, General, what are your plans now that Kylo Ren is the new Supreme Leader."
Rey tensed. The man who stood before them was Tharen Wrenn, a wealthy Kuat businessman whose company manufactured large battleships. He was exactly the kind of man the Resistance needed as an ally, but there was a coldness in his expression as he regarded the General.
"While the First Order may be vulnerable following Snoke's death it would be too brash to launch another offensive. If we are truely committed to restoring the galaxy to democratic peace, then we need to replenish our forces and re-organise. We lost many following the battle on Crait, and it is apparent that the First Order has acquired powerful new technology." Her response was measured and firm, there was not a single tear in the General's strength.
"But he is your own son, it must make things difficult." A month ago Rey may have slugged the man in the face but this was different. Tharen Wrenn, his father had helped facilitate the financing of the Galactic Empire as an accountant. She could use that to… No. Her eyes widen, it felt as if the Force itself had whispered the word directly into her ear. She reached out with her mind towards Wrenn. Pain, there was pain. His son had died in the Hosnian Prime. So much had happened that Rey almost forgot it was a little over 4 months since the destruction of the Hosnian System.
"War is difficult Mr. Wrenn," Rey injected before Leia could respond. "Many of us have lost so much, whether it is our homes or our family, but we should never lose faith in each other. We should not become so accustomed to suffering that we forget there are people willing to stand against cruelty and fight the good fight. I haven't been a part of the Resistance long but I have faith Leia and I hope you will have faith in her too." Rey reached out with her mind again. It's okay. She had no intention of manipulating him but she couldn't help but try to ease some of his turmoil. Wrenn turned back towards Leia.
"Forgive me general, it was not my intention to insult you in any way," his voice was a bit softer. "I too hope to see a galaxy that is peaceful once more. One that I hope my children will enjoy." He inclined his head in a slight bow before leaving.
"Well done Rey," Leia whispered to her, gently squeezing her hand in gratitude.
They received more introductions before Rey took a short break to enjoy some of the food. Lieutenant Connix had accompanied them and pointed out many of the dishes to Rey for her to try out. She felt as if she was in heaven, everything, even a simple fresh loaf of bread was luxurious to her. As Rey turned to grab a red rounded fruit which Connix told her was an apple, a little girl stumbled into her legs. She was about to fall back but Rey quickly bent down and straightened the girl.
"Sorrythankyou," the girl mumbled.
"That's quite all right." Rey noticed the young girl squinting at the ceiling.
"Is something wrong?"
"Oh, umm… it's my ribbon. I was up on the balcony when it came loose, the wind blew it onto the chandelier." Rey looked up and spotted the delicate tendril of fabric hanging from one of the many chandeliers decorating the ballroom.
"It's really important to me," the girl's brow furrowed in an effort to hold in her despair. I wonder. Rey reached out her hand, calling to the Force she levitated the ribbon back down to the little girl's reach. She squealed, jumping up and down before wrapping her arms around Rey's leg and hugging her. She thanked her over and over again with an exuberant grin. Rey patted her soft locks.
"Wow that's was amazing," Connix declared with wonder. It was just then that Rey noticed the numerous gazes staring at her. Few people had seen the force in action, many looked at her with a mixture of awe and amazement.
"Corellia!" Rey's head whipped around, it was Wrenn.
"Daddy!" she cried, Corellia jumped into her father's embrace and waved the ribbon enthusiastically. "Look! Look!" Wrenn smiled indulgently at her. He then regarded Rey intently.
"Thank you," he declared in a low voice, turning, he walked off with the still animated girl.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
This one's quite a politically centred chapter, I hope you guys still enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm really proud of it and I wanted to explore how the Resistance would lead a galaxy if the defeated the First Order. I also wanted to explore how Rey would be regarded by others, now that she's quite famous.